Best Ways To Troubleshoot Your Thermostat Problems

July 16, 2018

Wilcox Energy provides a broad range of HVAC services, such as AC tune-ups, furnace replacements, thermostat installations, and more. Our HVAC techs are professional, courteous and most importantly, NATE-certified. They possess the skills and knowledge to service your air conditioning and heating system quickly and efficiently. We offer reasonable prices and exemplary customer service. Call us as soon as possible to schedule a free evaluation. We provide services to Old Saybrook and nearby areas of Connecticut.

We receive many phone calls from frustrated homeowners at this time of year. Most of these customers are under the impression that their thermostats are malfunctioning. The following are some ways you can troubleshoot your thermostat before jumping to the conclusion that it is not functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Your HVAC System’s Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat is a common reason for needing the help of an HVAC technician. Most consumers are unaware that anything is wrong with their furnace or air conditioner until a malfunctioning thermostat calls the problem to their attention.

The following are some easy tips you can use to quickly discover whether or not you have a malfunctioning thermostat:

Conduct A Battery Check

Batteries power the majority of thermostats sold today. Even though there are wires that connect the HVAC unit to the HVAC system, the thermostat itself still requires batteries. The wires running from the furnace or AC to the thermostat do not offer a power supply. After consulting the user’s manual, remove the front panel of the thermostat and replace its batteries.

Detecting A Brownout

An issue that is far less common than dead batteries is a power bottleneck or similar impediment. This type of problem can make it appear as if the thermostat is malfunctioning. Many refer to this circumstance as a brownout, and it can negatively affect the efficiency of your cooling and heating system. It occurs with any thermostat, even the newer models such as Wi-Fi thermostats. Before removing and replacing it, it is critical to ensure that the problem is not an overall power issue within the dwelling, but that it is an issue with the thermostat itself.

Double Check The Mode Of The Thermostat

In areas that experience all four seasons, it is commonplace for one member of the household to change the settings on a programmable thermostat and forget to tell the other individuals who reside in the home. For example, a resident of the house may have set the device to cool, leading others to believe there is a malfunction in the heating system. Checking the settings can save a considerable amount of time and trouble.

Determining Whether The System Is On Or Off

Checking to see if the system is on or off may at first seem like a simple tip, but it is a relatively common situation. If the thermostat displays the outdoor temperature, it is easy to overlook the fact that it is off. If your thermostat is one that is programmable, then you can program it. Another good suggestion is to follow a checklist when switching from heating to AC or vice versa.

Fan-Only Mode

Specific HVAC units feature a fan-only mode. Not surprisingly, this mode allows the system to run the fan only. For this reason, although the noise is similar, the system may just be blowing regular air, rather than conditioned air. This circumstance can make it seem as if the unit is not working correctly. However, it is an easy problem to solve, as you must switch the unit to the “auto,” instead of the “fan” setting.

Thermostat Setting Does Not Match Room Temperature

Dirt and dust can accumulate within a thermostat. Such debris can result in inaccurate readings, making it look as if the room’s temperature did not change according to the degree at which it is set. Keeping the thermostat clean solves this problem.

Thermostat Old Saybrook CT

The simple suggestions listed above can help you troubleshoot thermostat issues when you are experiencing them. If there is a simple issue you can fix yourself, such as battery change, it is best not to spend money on a house call from a contractor.

Nevertheless, if you have been unable to solve your specific problem by following the above tips, contact an HVAC technician to evaluate it. Do not try to fix the problem yourself. You may inadvertently harm yourself, make the initial problem worse, or damage your home.

For reasonably priced, trustworthy HVAC services, contact an experienced technician at Wilcox Energy. Our NATE-certified technicians have the skills to evaluate your thermostat’s problems or oversee the installation of a new thermostat if this is what is required. We can also let you know if it is time to upgrade to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat, a Honeywell thermostat, or a different model. Our technicians will thoroughly explain each option to ensure you are completely satisfied with your choice. You can also read thermostat reviews to get a better idea of what you are looking for.

We offer a broad range of cooling and heating services, including heater repairs, air conditioning installation, HVAC tune-ups and much more. Call us today with a list of all your questions and concerns and make an appointment for an HVAC evaluation and a free estimate.

Some of the areas we service include: Deep River, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook and these zip codes: 06417, 06371, 06475, 06498, as well as all surrounding areas in the Southern Shores Of Connecticut.

For more information about HVAC systems, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can contact us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.

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Wilcox Energy offers oil, propane and energy services to homes and businesses along the shoreline towns. We aim to provide professional, local installation, repair and delivery services. that means the highest quality and the fastest response time possible. It's our promise to you, our neighbor.